Bombing devastation

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31315, 10 March 1967, Page 13

Bombing devastation

fIV.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

LONDON, March 9. The American bombings of North Vietnam are having a far more drastic effect than previously claimed or disclosed, according to reports in authoritative Communist diplomatic quarters in Tokyo, “The Times” reported today.

In a message from Tokyo “The Times” said that the reports depict widespread devastation, huge civilian casualties, almost total disruption of communications and intense shortages of food and fuel.

But the Communist spokesman insisted that the will to fight was indomitable.

rice and no certainty that a

million tons needed from China will be forthcoming,” said “The Times.” Water Rationed

“Sugar and milk are said to be unavailable; when movement on the roads is possible food supplies have to be taken out from the town to the countryside hamlets—and not vice versa.

“In many parts of the countryside even water is rationed.”

The harbour at Haiphong had virtually come to a halt according to the Communist spokesman, “The Times” said. “It is claimed that the Americans took care not to attack international shipping but successfully straffed all lighters and barges which unloaded goods. .

“Disruption of roads and

' “Specifically, it is said that there is a dire shortage of bridges in the southern half of the country is said to have been such that movement of supplies towards the Ho Chi Minh trails leading through Laos to South Vietnam has virtually ceased. “The same informants suggest that the recent mining of rivers in North Vietnam was intended not to disable waterborne traffic but to de-

stroy dykes in order further to damage rice production. “Aid from Communist countries, it is stated with a shrug, can give little respite in this disaster,” said “The Times.” The disclosure from the Communists has puzzled observers in Japan, the report said.

“The Times” correspondent described the reports as a drastic break with the prevailing line that the bombing has been ineffective, though the informants were careful to insist that the will of the North Vietnam people remains unbroken, even hardened.

The correspondent said that the report might have been put forwards to strengthen some United States and Western opposition to the bombing on the grounds that it was even more hideous and barbarous than anyone believed.